I have acid reflux. What foods should I avoid?

Written by: Mr Michael Van den Bossche
Published: | Updated: 29/03/2022
Edited by: Conor Lynch

In this article, highly experienced and skilled consultant general surgeon, Mr Michael Van den Bossche, discusses how having weight loss surgery can sometimes result in patients suffering from mild to severe acid reflux. Also, if you suffer from acid reflux, find out how you can relieve your symptoms.

Is it common to have reflux after weight loss surgery?

Reflux is one of the most common conditions in the general population, with over 50 per cent of the world’s population suffering from reflux at some point. As far as weight loss surgery is concerned, reflux can certainly occur in some patients.

 

We are talking here about patients who, before weight loss surgery, did not suffer from reflux, but who developed the condition after the operation. Some operations carry a higher risk of reflux compared to others. This is especially the case with gastric band surgery and sleeve gastrectomy.

 

Reflux can also occur after gastric bypass surgery, but the risk is a whole lot lower compared to gastric band surgery and a typical sleeve gastrectomy procedure. Some patients will develop reflux after weight loss due to a pre-existing hiatus hernia.

 

How can I relieve reflux symptoms?

It is very important to stick to a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle. People should eat small portions, they should drink a lot while eating, and they should definitely not eat a meal before bedtime. Avoid meals at night.

 

It is also very important not to smoke. A lot of reflux symptoms can be relieved through over-the-counter medication.

 

What foods should I avoid?

People suffering from acid reflux should try to avoid alcohol, especially red wine. Other things to avoid include the following:

 

  • black peppers
  • garlic
  • onions
  • spicy food
  • curry
  • chocolate
  • citrus fruits
  • coffee
  • tea
  • peppermint
  • tomatoes

 

How is acid reflux after weight loss surgery treated?

Mild reflux symptoms after weight loss surgery can be treated with lifestyle adjustments, dietary changes, and over-the-counter medication. Severe acid reflux symptoms require investigations, to find out why certain patients are suffering from very bad acid reflux. These investigations sometimes lead to revisions and follow-ups to see what the most suitable treatment option would be.

 

When should I see a doctor about acid reflux?

People with acid reflux should see a doctor when their symptoms do not settle with simple measures such as medication prescribed to them. The GP should, in this situation, refer the patient to a bariatric surgeon.

 

An operation may be considered as a solution to the problem only when all of the causes are identified.

 

Mr Michael Van den Bossche is a highly esteemed consultant general surgeon who can help you with your acid reflux symptoms. Book an appointment with him today via his Top Doctors profile.

By Mr Michael Van den Bossche
Surgery

Mr Michael Van den Bossche is a renowned consultant general surgeon, specialising in all kinds of bariatric surgery. From his private clinic at the Spire Southampton Hospital, he provides surgical weight loss surgery, along with hernia surgery, gallbladder surgery, surgery to correct gastric reflux, and a variety of laparoscopic surgical procedures. 

Mr Michael Van den Bossche originally trained in Leuven, Belgium under Dr Jacques Himpens, a pioneer in laparoscopic and bariatric surgery. He first worked and gained experience in Brussels, Belgium before moving to Guernsey in the Channel Islands, where he developed the laparoscopic surgery service on the island, going on to establish the island as one of the centres of excellence for laparoscopic surgery.

In 2007, Mr Van den Bossche became the first surgeon to introduce the banded gastric bypass to the UK, and in 2010, he was the first to adopt the mini gastric bypass, or one anastomosis gastric bypass, an operation resulting in better resolution of medical problems, such as type 2 diabetes, and improved weight loss compared to other gastric bypass methods or restricted weight loss operations. For gastric bypass operations, Mr Van den Bossche makes use of the GaBP ring or Fobi ring, making the operation stronger and minimising the risk of weight regain in the future. He also offers the Elipse gastric balloon to those patients who do not qualify for weight loss surgery, while dieting alone is not working for them. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, and does not involve endoscopy, surgery, or anaesthesia. 

Mr Van den Bossche devotes time to training and mentoring fellow surgeons in the UK, and has performed live surgical procedures around the world, in addition to being a trainer for the mini gastric bypass operation. He has published numerous peer-reviewed articles in medical journals, and lectured extensively at international medical conferences. 

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